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Abstract

Embryonic patterning is orchestrated by signaling molecules that activate key developmental genes in the right place at the right time. I use the zebrafish embryo as an in vivo model system together with molecular biology techniques, including quantitative imaging and optogenetics, to investigate how signaling molecules travel to target cells, how they are interpreted once they arrive, and how a handful of signaling pathways work together to pattern complex body plans. I will show how novel molecular optogenetic approaches can be used to investigate major questions in developmental biology, and describe highlights from my recent work applying in vivo optogenetics to dissect patterning mediated by the signaling molecule BMP.